News & Spotlight
Explore our Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Spotlights and Success Stories to stay informed on the latest implementation guidance and real-world impacts. These sections highlight technical deep-dives alongside innovative best practices from counties across California to support your local efforts.
Peer Support Workers in CARE
In the realm of social service, a peer is an individual who self-identifies as having lived experience with the recovery process and lives with a mental health or substance use disorder (SUD). A peer support worker uses this lived experience as the foundation in supporting others who are navigating similar circumstances. Peer support workers can play a critical role at each point in the CARE process, as their lived experience and recovery-oriented approach make them uniquely suited to build trust, foster engagement, and ensure person-centered care.
The new peers toolkit provides practical guidance and examples regarding how counties are integrating peer support workers throughout the CARE Act process. Examples include the following:
- Outreach and Engagement: Peer support workers often serve as the first point of contact for individuals and families, as they can set the tone for future engagement, foster trust, support continuity and transitions, assist with transportation, and enhance engagement.
- Court Support: Many counties also report the importance of including peer support workers in the courtroom, where they can use their lived experience to reduce CARE participants’ anxiety and fears about the court process.
- Training and Education: Counties recognize that successful integration requires training for peer support workers and the broader system, including interactive video simulations, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training, as well as motivational interviewing and basic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Partnerships with Other Organizations and Programs: Counties are also leveraging other programs and external networks to strengthen CARE implementation, such as AOT and FSP teams, existing mental health and SUD programs, and external peer-run organizations.
The accompanying Sample Peer Support Worker Recruitment Resources is designed to support counties in developing job descriptions, interview processes, and role expectations for peer support positions within county BH CARE teams.
Social Media to Strengthen CARE Awareness
Counties are making strides in using social media to expand awareness and understanding of the CARE Act. Fresno has built a strong foundation by prioritizing clear, accessible information—especially through its dedicated website, which serves as a reliable hub for the community. Los Angeles has raised program visibility through videos, graphics, and office‑hour promotions, while also listening closely to public feedback to address misconceptions and highlight real success stories. Merced has leaned into storytelling, simple messaging, and high‑engagement formats like videos and carousel posts to connect with both community members and professional partners.
Across all three counties, several shared lessons have emerged: accessible messaging builds trust, storytelling deepens connection, and targeted outreach strengthens engagement. Each county’s experience underscores the value of consistent communication, early coordination with program teams, and a willingness to evolve based on community response. Together, their efforts offer a roadmap for other counties looking to enhance CARE Act outreach and engagement.
For more ideas to raise awareness and educate communities about CARE, including social media templates, see the CARE Act Communications Toolkit.
CARE Act TTA Spotlight Archive
- May 2026 - Peer Support Workers in CARE
- April 2026 - Considerations for CARE Act Eligibility
- March 2026 - Building Engagement with System Partners
- February 2026 - Volunteer Supporter
- January 2026 - Senate Bill 27 Updates
- December 2025 - Senate Bill 27
- November 2025 - Psychiatric Advance Directives Toolkit
- October 2025 - CARE Act Communications Toolkit
- September 2025 - The Role of the Volunteer Supporter in CARE
- August 2025 - Paths Out of CARE
- July 2025 - Petition Form Updates
- June 2025 - Claiming & Sanctions in CARE
- May 2025 - Referrals Spotlight
- April 2025 - Overview Materials for General Public
- March 2025 - Housing in CARE Training Spotlight
- February 2025 - Peer Roles in CARE
- January 2025 - Family Support Resources
CARE Act Success Stories Archive
- May 2026 - Social Media to Strengthen CARE Awareness
- April 2026 - CARE in Action: Recovery and Collaboration in Merced County
- March 2026 - Building Effective System Partner Referral Pathways in Ventura County
- February 2026 - A Journey to CARE Graduation in Kern County
- January 2026 - Innovative Models for Peer Integration
- November 2025 - Building Stability Through Person-Centered Housing Approaches
- October 2025 - Napa County Success: Breaking the Cycle Through Tailored CARE Support
- September 2025 - Strengthening Cross-Agency Partnerships and Enhancing Client Stability
- August 2025 - How CARE is Transforming Lives and Systems Across California
The Latest
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